This Saturday, June 8, 2013, I will join the International OCD Foundation in its first walk: 1 Million+ Steps 4 OCD Awareness 5k Walk. It will be at Boston’s Jamaica Pond. (No worries, I will go to Pride right after!)

What is OCD? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a disorder on the anxiety spectrum, which also includes General Anxiety Disorder, Hoarding, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, among others. Here is a basic comprehensive description: http://www.ocfoundation.org/whatisocd.aspx

My own Obsessive Compulsive Disorder was diagnosed in 2005 at age 25. I had had symptoms since age 3. My entire schooling and teaching career were spent struggling with obsessions and compulsions that I knew were not logical but could not stop. I walk to help bring awareness about this disorder that most often goes undiagnosed for years, is terribly misunderstood, and can lead to debilitating lives.

Visit my fundraising page to contribute to the walk: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/loretopansaldo/1million4OCD. My goal was to raise $50, which is the minimum goal. Since I found out about the walk only a week ago, I wanted to keep my goal small and focus on spreading the word. With the goal met, can you help me contribute even more?

Please inform yourselves of this and other mental health issues. Help remove the stigma and instead focus on awareness and support.